More D-Men On The Way

The Saint John Sea Dogs added some more bodies to their backend during today’s CHL Import Draft.

With the 25^th overall pick – which was actually 24^th with Cape Breton passing – the Sea Dogs selected 6’5”, 213 lbs defenseman Oliver Felixson.

Felixson, from Finland, recorded 10 goals and 27 assists in 44 games with the HIFK under-18 team last season. He also had an assist in three games with the under-20 squad.

At the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Felixson had two assists in six games.

The 17-year-old is eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft.

Some takes:

Saw Felixson 2 years ago in Châteauguay at the Quebec cup, impressive size and moves fairly well. very raw though.

— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) June 30, 2015

Saint John Sea Dogs took Oliver Felixson in CHL Draft. He was a top D in Finnish U18 league, mobile for his size and capable with the puck.

— Marco Bombino (@marco_bombino) June 30, 2015

Oliver Felixson is one to watch for 2016 #NHLDraft. 6'5 defenseman has improved his overall game greatly this year. Good upside. @FCHockey

— Marco Bombino (@marco_bombino) March 10, 2015

From an Over the Boards article from December 2014:

6’5 defenseman Oliver Felixson (1998) has been solid at both ends of the ice. He brings some offense, skates well for his size and has been improving his defensive game. He’s also a disciplined player with only four minor penalties on the season, despite having a lot of ice-time.

The Sea Dogs also selected at 85^th overall – which ended up being the 11^th pick of the second round thanks to so many teams passing – and chose yet another defenseman, taking Frantisek Hrdinka.

Hrdinka, a 17-year-old from the Czech Republic who is eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft, had a combined six goals and seven assists in 33 games with Frolunda J18 last season. He also had one goal and three assists in seven games with the Czech under-17 team.

He is listed at 5’11” and 185 lbs.

The two picks today give Saint John three imports – Jakub Zboril, Felixson and Hrdinka. Unless Zboril makes the Bruins, it’s likely Hrdinka will be the odd man out.

With the first overall pick, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan selected Russian Vladimir Kuznetsov, a forward who is eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft.

Photo: Twitter